Stop buying those expensive spice blends at the store

I got sick of dropping $5-$6 on a tiny jar of taco seasoning that lasts maybe two meals. So last Tuesday I finally looked up how to mix my own from the spices I already had in the cabinet. Turns out it's just chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. I measured out a batch that filled an old empty jar, and it cost me maybe 30 cents compared to the store price. The flavor is actually way better too, I had to tweak the ratios a little after the first try. Has anyone else found a spice mix recipe that saved them serious cash?

3 comments

3 Comments

quinnm778d ago

My old bottle of McCormick taco seasoning was almost empty so I just dumped the rest into a bowl and measured it against the spice jars I had. Turned out their blend is like 60% cumin and chili powder with a little sugar and cornstarch thrown in to bulk it up. I started making my own and then went crazy doing it for every blend I used regularly. Italian seasoning was a big one for me, just oregano basil thyme and rosemary from the bulk bins cost me like a buck total compared to those little $4 jars. Ranch dip mix was another eye opener, buttermilk powder dill garlic and onion powder plus some dried parsley. You can batch out like six months worth of the stuff for what you would spend on two packets at the store.

pat_murray538d ago

Oh man, is it REALLY that serious? I mean yeah, it's cool you figured it out and all but you're talking about saving like what, ten bucks a year on taco seasoning? I get that it's nice to know what's in your food but grinding your own ranch dip mix seems like a LOT of effort for something that costs a dollar at the store. I just buy the little packets and move on with my life. But hey, if you're the type who likes tinkering in the kitchen then more power to you I guess.

singh.harper8d ago

Have you checked if the store packets have MSG or anti-caking agents you'd rather avoid?